Fans, Ice Cream Sandwiches, and Popsicles

            Happy afternoon loves…now I am not sure where you are…currently reading this post…but if you are on the East Coast of the United States…I am so sorry.  We have been totally struck with an oppressive heat wave.  Like the type of hot where just the thought of skinny jeans feels equivalent to how Leo felt wearing his headgear in The Man In The Iron Mask.  Now I know that I am currently assessing the livability of the Artic and relying on sheer fabrics to keep me cool…how are you beating the heat? 

            Just because the mercury is rising, doesn’t mean that people are postponing their weddings or that it is finally appropriate for you to write on response cards that you will only be in attendance if the temperature is below 80 degrees…though that is a lovely thought.  If you happen to be a bride planning her nuptials in the smack-dab middle of summer, here are some fantastic ways to help your guests avoid sweating to death.  Trust me…you will want to help them somehow…otherwise everyone might suddenly ‘come down’ with an awful stomach flu just in order to leave your fete…which would be such a shame!  So throw them a bone…or at least a fan!  Until next time, stay in the shade!  

Anamarija K. Photography


Even the tiniest members of your bridal party need shade! Consider providing light parasols during the

 ceremony...it would be terrible if the sun's rays blocked the guest's view of how awesome you look! 

Ice Cream Sandwiches and Wrapping via Tartlette


Honestly, who doesn't love a good old-fashioned ice cream sandwich...and the presentation is just to

dang cute to resist!

Sakura Photography


Umm...gelato at a wedding...yes please! This one really requires no explanation.

We Love Pictures Photography via Once Wed


If you are a budget-concious bride, try printing your wedding programs on heavy card stock, cut them

into the shapes of fans, glue a popsicle stick in between the two sides...and voila! A wedding program

 and guest cooling device all in one!

Via What A Wedding Blog


You can never go wrong with a classic. Slap your faces onto some bottles of water and make them

available for guests throughout the evening in large ice-filled containers...before the ceremony, after the

 cocktail hour, and on the way out the door for the drive home! Dehydration is an ugly thing my

friends.

            

Cruel Intentions

            Hi everyone!  I hope that none of you have been hit with an awful case of the Mondays and that you are all enjoying the start of your week!  Ok…today’s topic has made me so ticked that I can’t even create an effective transition for you…so I apologize.  I just have to get started…over the weekend I sat down on the couch to enjoy some quality ‘brainless’ television with both my mom and little sister.  After tons of channel surfing, we finally decided on TLC’s new show ‘Say Yes to the Dress-Bridesmaids’.  This was the first time that I had ever seen the show and I was actually quite excited because I love the original series…there is just something so entertaining about panicked brides looking for the dress of their dreams (that might be mean…I am not too sure).

            After we finished the first episode, I sat there in utter astonishment.  Someone had replaced what should have been the supportive bridesmaids with crazy bloodthirsty women.  These girls were AWFUL…they hardcore insulted the other’s figures, made fun of dress selections, and made it pretty stinkin’ apparent that they couldn’t care less about what the bride wanted for her own wedding day.  I am pretty sure that one of the ladies was actually possessed by some sort of demon because she had the audacity to call the bride a witch with a ‘b’ right in front of everyone!  Thankfully all of my bridesmaids have been super awesome and none of these horrific scenes have unfolded.  I just don’t understand how these brides deal with the abuse!   I am definitely not a violent person but I am pretty sure I would have had to punch someone in the face the second I was cursed at by a friend in the middle of a bridal salon.  What are your thoughts on this?!  Are the days done of supportive girlfriends standing by their beloved friend’s side while they make one of the most important decisions of their life?

            I don’t know about you, but I am totally prepared to don shiny lilac taffeta if one of my girls wants that for her wedding.  Ugh…please just tell me that you would do the same!  Until next time…I will be calling all of my bridesmaids to tell them just how much I love them!   

Bridesmaids The Movie...If you haven't see this it is hysterical!

Bridesmaids The Movie

They look sweet...but don't let that fool you!

Revenge of the Bridesmaids

            

Some Super Cute Cheesing

Yay!  We have made it to Friday…let’s celebrate by having some cute cheese to send you off on your weekend.  Today…for your viewing pleasure…are some pictures that will simply make you go, “Awwwww.”  Let me just say in advance that you are so very welcome for that momentary gooey feeling in your tummy.  Until next time…have an incredible weekend!  

Photograph by Haley Sheffield via The Wedding Chicks


Seriously. I can just feel the love in this photo. 

Elkie Photography


These girls are SO over the ceremony. I bet they are wondering when there will be cake. 

Mark Adams Photography


Honestly, I feel badly laughing...but this picture is wildly hysterical/chock full of adorableness. 

Jessica Claire Photography


This picture just speaks for itself...could this little ring bearer be any cuter?! 

Elaine Marie Photography


For some reason I just think this picture is so darling...maybe it is the umbrellas.

John Barone Photography


Ahh hahaha. This picture kills me every single time...it actually is from one of my friend's weddings and it never gets old.  I figured that after the cuteness explosion we just had...you needed some laughs.

Anchors Away!

            Hello lovelies.  Ugh, isn’t it just so stunning outside today (if it isn’t as gorgeous where you are…I apologize for gloating).  The super weather has played a huge part in inspiring me for today’s post…embracing all things nautical!  No matter your personal style…bohemian, rocker, fashionista, preppy, or grunge…you can somehow incorporate this wonderful trend into your wardrobe.  Here are some ideas for those of you considering donning full sailor regalia and those simply drawing ideas for your color palette.  Enjoy…if you get seasick be sure to grab your Dramamine!

o   Anchor Motifs

o   Feeling bold?  Why not go straight to the source and rock a frock adorned with anchors…patterns can be as daring or as subtle as you desire.

Yves Saint Laurent 

o   Some Sea Worthy Rope

o   Accessories are great tools to incorporate this maritime element into your ensemble.  One of my favorite ways to translate this idea is through handbags (shocking, I know).   Obviously if you want the perfect nautical accessory...you should give Cocroft & Delbridge a call!

Big Buddha

o   A Tip of the Hat

o   Now you don’t have to wear an actual sailor’s hat…but I mean if you want to…go for it!  There are plenty of styles and details that will look awesome on you!  Try a boater cap with a chic ribbon tied about the crown of the accessory.  

Chanel 

o   Striped Garments

o   Don’t be afraid of the striking statement that stripes make…display your article of clothing with tons of pride.  If you are feeling extremely confident try combining horizontal and vertical stripes!  

Moschino

o   Clean Lines

o   An easy way to incorporate this style is to wear structured garments that give a very streamlined figure…as shown in this image below.

Gucci

o   White, Navy, Yellow, Red

o   Not totally feeling the ocean breeze?  Don’t worry…you can take minor cues from the trend for your look.  Rely on typical nautical shades for a nod to the sea. 

Photographer Paul Chapplles via The Daily Record 

It's All In The Hips...Or Waist

            Wahoo!  It is finally Wednesday…we have made it halfway through the week and are that much closer to the relaxation of the weekend!  Now, I know that I have been mainly blogging about wedding related topics lately…I blame it on getting married in 87 days (which is so surreal!)…but today’s topic relates to both brides and single ladies!  All the single ladies, all the single ladies…I am sorry but I just felt like that had to be done.  My solo is over now…I swear.

            On one of the very first dates with my fiancé, naturally I proudly planned my outfit…attempting to be as impressive as possible.  After he picked me up, I noticed that he was oddly glancing at my waist…he finally mustered the courage and asked, “Why on Earth do you have a belt there?!”  I had absolutely no idea what he was referring to.  After thinking for a moment, I realized that he was asking about the belt I had around my natural waist to show off the thinnest part of my body.  Being a college student majoring in fashion merchandising at the time, I simply replied, “Obviously it is a cinching belt.”  Let’s just say that he responded with a massive bout of laughter and the belt topic was over.  Nearly a year and a half later…he compliments my waist minimizing techniques in a half-serious/half-joking way….I like to think that I won that debate.  

            Despite what my extremely ‘fashion forward’ fiancé thinks (I love you darling.)…one of the hottest trends is belting your natural waist.  I have included some awesome pictures of both brides and every day women working this style in the most fantastic ways.  For those of you planning your nuptials, wedding gowns paired with detailed sashes are all over the runway.  This is a super easy way to be a bit non-traditional on your big day and to express your personal style.  Don’t be afraid to express yourself!  What are some of the ways that you incorporate this stylish accessory into your wardrobe?  We would love to hear about them!  Until next time my little fashionistas….    

P.S.- For today’s shameless plug…Cocroft & Delbridge creates some totally fabulous belts and sashes…check out the web site for more information…www.cocroftanddelbridge.com! 

BCBG Max Azria Dress

I just adore this bright, punchy shade of orange!

Claudia Schiffer via HarpersBazaar.com

Annalynne McCord

Mary-Kate Olsen via RedCarpetBandit.com

I think that she is just so incredibly chic. 

Gown by Lazaro 

Gown by Watters 

Gown by Tara Keely 

Follow Me To The Castle...

            Happy Tuesday boys and girls!  I hope that this post finds you soaking up the warm summer sun…but obviously being responsible by drinking tons of water and wearing sunscreen…we support good health practices over here.  Okay, moving on from today’s public service announcement to our topic…fairytale weddings.  Gallant stallions, charming princes, flowing dresses, towering castles, magic pumpkin carriages, and of course fairy godmothers are all things that filled our imaginations while growing up…but should we include something so fantastical in one of the most serious commitments a adult can ever make?  The whole ‘princess for a day’ theme is something that I am super undecided about.  I mean, of course I danced around in tiaras and gaudy faux jewelry (blatantly attempting to be a member of the royal family), as a little girl but is that what I want to draw inspiration from for my big day?

            Now…I know that storybook weddings can turn out beautifully…I added pictures of some stunners for you to feast your eyes on…but I just don’t know!  Alfred Angelo has created a gorgeous line of gowns that channel the personalities of everyone’s favorite Disney princesses and the idea of a perfectly coifed ballroom is just so romantic.  Is it silly to include your childhood fantasies into your grown-up wedding?  What are your thoughts on this…help me?  Until next time…     

Via Sangmaestro.com

A fashion-forward take on the traditional 'fairytale' wedding.

via ManoloBrides.com

Some darling fairies...I mean flower girls.

The Plaza Hotel via AisleDash.com

A stunning ballroom, fit for any princess.

Advertisement for Alfred Angelo Disney Princess Line

Style Ariel via Alfred Angelo

Style Belle via Alfred Angelo

Style Sleeping Beauty via Alfred Angelo

Style Snow White via Alfred Angelo

A Bit Of Cheese...A Bit Late

            Hi boys and girls…happy Monday!  I hope that your weekends were absolutely wonderful and relaxing.  So, so sorry that you were left ‘blog-less’ on Friday but I had to go out of town to see my man…which was incredible…I won’t lie.  Since you were probably sad that you were deprived of some stunning photography…here you go!  These two shots were taken by Geneoh Photography and were found on the blog, Ruffled (if you haven’t checked it out yet…I highly recommend it).  Now, I have to go catch-up on some other bits of work but I promise I will post a longer blog tomorrow…until next time!

P.S.- You now have access to our full line of products at the bridal salon, The Bridal Emporium in Elizabethtown, PA…head on in to check it out!

Geneoh Photography via Ruffled

Seriously...I hope that the shots from my wedding will be this beautiful!

Geneoh Photography via Ruffled

Umm...is this not the cutest way to incorporate some stylish cardigans into your big day?!